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University Place officials brief council on sewer extensions, inclusive playground and street safety projects
Summary
University Place leaders told the Pierce County Council that sewer connections are being extended to seven neighborhoods, the city received county ARPA support for sewer projects and a $1.2 million inclusive playground at Cirque Park, and that sidewalks, lighting and a roundabout at Grandview Drive are planned.
University Place officials told the Pierce County Council on April 30 that the city is constructing sewer extensions in seven neighborhoods, building an inclusive playground at Cirque Park aided by county funds, and planning street and safety upgrades including a new roundabout at Grandview Drive and 30 Sixth.
Mayor Pro Temp Wood said the sewer work combines ARPA, county and state funding and will connect seven neighborhoods that previously relied on septic systems. "What we have done is through a combination of ARPA, county, and state funding. The city is constructing sewer extensions in 7 of our neighborhoods," he said.
Why it matters: Extending sewer service and building accessible playgrounds change infrastructure, public health and development capacity for neighborhoods. Council members were told county assistance, expedited permitting and direct ARPA contributions helped move projects forward.
City officials thanked Pierce County for assistance. The county contributed $500,000 in ARPA funding toward the city’s sewer projects and $50,000 toward the new inclusive playground, which the city estimates cost about $1,200,000. Officials said the playground will be one of the largest inclusive playgrounds in Washington and that a soft opening at Surf Park is expected within weeks, with a formal ribbon cutting planned for June.
University Place representatives also described planned sidewalk and bicycle improvements on 60th and 30th streets, lighting projects along school routes for Narrows View Intermediate and Curtis Junior and Senior High Schools, and a roundabout at Grandview Drive and 30 Sixth to address safety and speed concerns in that corridor. City staff said the roundabout moved from idea to funded construction in roughly two years following citizen input and an engineering study.
What was not decided: Council members did not take formal votes on the city projects during the meeting. Several participants emphasized that some projects require coordination with county permitting and state grant approvals before full construction schedules can be finalized.
Ending: University Place officials invited council members and attendees to upcoming park and ribbon‑cutting events; the council then proceeded to other agenda items.
